Dream Trade Deadline scenarios for 10 GMs
In a perfect world, what would your favorite team do? Forget fallback positions. Let's go for something that might just be the final touch. Let's attempt to put ourselves in the shoes of 10 executives as the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches.One point to make: Andrew Miller and Aroldis
In a perfect world, what would your favorite team do? Forget fallback positions. Let's go for something that might just be the final touch. Let's attempt to put ourselves in the shoes of 10 executives as the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches.
One point to make:
Is a Yankees playoff push a long shot? Sure it is. But it simply is not in their makeup to cash in a season. While it would be tempting to put one or two players -- Miller,
However, if the Cubs throw
Anyway, here goes:
1.Jon Daniels, Rangers
White Sox LHP
Yes, both of them. Did I mention bullpen help? Daniels is looking for that, too, which emphasizes how fragile things are for a club that has spent virtually the entire season atop the American League West. The Rangers desperately need to shore up a starting rotation that has been the worst in baseball the past three weeks. Daniels is thinking big, too, gauging the price for three elite starters: Sale,
2.John Mozeliak, Cardinals
Phillies RHP
Mozeliak would surprise no one by doing something larger. His farm system isn't as deep as it once was, but there's still talent. More likely, though, Mozeliak will try to acquire a lockdown closer. Gomez has converted 25 of 28 save chances and has a 1.12 WHIP. His arrival would allow manager Mike Matheny to stabilize an entire group. Mozeliak might even elect to go for two arms, say, getting two from a very good Milwaukee bullpen, possibly
3. Dayton Moore, Royals
Twins RHP
Only the Orioles have gotten fewer innings from their starters than the defending champions, and with
4. Theo Epstein, Cubs
Yankees LHP
The Cubs may be one bullpen arm from winning the World Series, and they're focused on Miller. Unfortunately, the Yankees are focused on getting Schwarber in return. So far, Epstein has been unwilling to make that deal. Will he change his mind as the deadline approaches and the thoughts of bringing a World Series to Wrigley Field dance in his head? There are about a hundred reasons to think Miller won't wind up with the Cubs, these two experienced general managers -- Epstein and New York's Brian Cashman -- will continue to wrestle.
5. Neal Huntington, Pirates
Rays RHP
This one isn't complicated. Huntington wants a rotation upgrade to line up behind
6. Andrew Friedman, Dodgers
Athletics OF
Friedman has been focused on a hitter and reliever, but uncertainty about
7. Dan Duquette, Orioles
Phillies RHP
Duquette must upgrade his rotation while also balancing payroll and a thin Minor League system. Hellickson has gotten his career back on track the past two seasons, but he isn't one of the marquee relievers teams are seeking. For that reason, he's precisely the kind of guy Duquette will focus on.
8. Brian Sabean, Giants
Brewers RHP
The Giants have a larger wish list than you'd think for a team that has spent virtually the entire season in first place. First, there's the matter of the bullpen. Jeffress would stabilize the ninth inning and also provide depth for a group that has been worked hard. Also, because the Giants aren't sure how much they're going to get from
9. Mike Rizzo, Nationals
Yankees LHP
The Nationals are good enough to win a World Series without a single additon. However, Rizzo's farm system might be deep enough to allow him to upgrade the top of the lineup and back of the bullpen. If the Yankees don't move Chapman, Rizzo could go hard for Smith. At the moment, there doesn't seem to be a match regarding a leadoff hitter unless San Diego's
10. Mike Chernoff, Indians
Rockies OF
Richard Justice is a columnist for MLB.com. Read his blog, Justice4U.